leadership/ elders…

Elders are men who serve the church in two broad ways:

1) through a ministry of prayer and the word these

    men spend time with God by studying His word

    and speaking with Him in prayer to be able to

    discern His will for the flock.  Then, through

    scripture, they persuade the people to understand,

    accept and follow God’s word and will.

    (Acts 6:1-5a; 1 Tim. 1:9; 2 Peter 2:1-3)

2) as overseers and shepherds these same men oversee

    the shepherding of the congregation in growing

    towards Christ-likeness.  The idea is to help them

    stay on the right path and going in the right

    direction by walking with them - leading them, not

    driving them.

    (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

At Hope, we choose to use a plurality of elders so their various strengths can cover their various weaknesses, and all benefit from men of humble, servant hearts.